Is the FBI Lock Screen True?

A:

Quick Answer

The FBI lock screen is a symptom of a malware that infects a user’s computer after he navigates and clicks on an element on a compromised website. Once it becomes active, it locks the screen and fraudulently informs the user that he violated federal law.

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Once it prevents access to the computer, the malware demands a MoneyPak payment of up to $200 for the alleged violation. The FBI first detected this type of fraud in 2011. A user can remove the malware by accessing Safe Mode with Networking and restoring the Windows operating system to a point before the initial infection. Alternatively, he can install an antimalware utility, such as Malwarebytes, and use it to remove the infection after performing a full scan.